MAEAP Verifies 23 Farms in November 2019

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is recognizing 23 farms for implementing appropriate pollution prevention practices. The program assists farmers to comply with state and federal environmental regulations and with Right to Farm practices. Technical assistance was provided by local Conservation Districts.

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program recognized:

  • All Natural Farm, LLC Business – L.C. Farms, of Lake Odessa, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • B & D Farms, of Riga, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Bankson Lake Farm, LLC, of Lawton, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Barbara Rutherford Farm, of Alpena, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Cedar View Farms, of Addison, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Dean & Jill Dompierre Forest, of Champion, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Dusty Lane Farm, of Hudson, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Edgewood Farms, LLC, of Cassopolis, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Harold Stanton Farm, LLC, of Gobles, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • K Vineyards, LLC, of Fennville, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Louis Paynter Forest, of Sault Ste. Marie, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Pine Lane Farm, of Kalamazoo, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Ray & Joan Durrance Forest, of Dexter, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Roth Family Farms, of Lowell, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Schwallier’s Country Basket, LLC – 4 Mile Farm, of Walker, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Schwallier’s Country Basket, LLC – Vinton Farm, of Sparta, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Spit In the Wind Farm, of Alpena, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Sutton Forest, of Bath, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Szikszay Family Farms, Inc., of Otisville, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Tad Aebig Farm, of Shelby, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Utter Forest, of Adrian, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Walnutdale Family Farms, LLC, of Wayland, as a verified farm in Livestock System
  • Weinzweig Farms, LLC, of DeWitt, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems

“Farmers across the state of Michigan understand how fortunate we are to be surrounded by fertile lands and abundant fresh water, and they are committed to protecting these amazing resources,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “Participation in the program increases year after year, and it has been used as a model by many other states. By earning MAEAP verification and putting that sign out front, they are letting their neighbors know that they are excellent stewards of their land so that it can be sustainable for future generations.”

MAEAP is a collaborative effort of farmers, commodity organizations, universities, conservation districts, conservation and environmental groups, and state and federal agencies.  Michigan conservation districts house technicians that provide technical assistance to assist farmers as they move through the MAEAP process toward verification. An average of 5,000 Michigan farmers attend educational programs annually, 10,000 Michigan farms have started the verification process and over 5,000 verifications have taken place to date.

To become MAEAP verified, farmers must complete three comprehensive steps which include attending an educational seminar, conducting a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and developing and implementing an action plan addressing potential environmental risk. MDARD conducts an on‑farm inspection to verify program requirements related to applicable state and federal environmental regulations, Michigan Right to Farm guidelines, and adherence to an action plan. When completed, the producer receives a certificate of environmental assurance. To remain a MAEAP verified farm, inspections must be conducted every five years and action steps must be followed.

MAEAP is a multi-year program allowing producers to meet personal objectives, while best managing both time and resources. The program encompasses four systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation. Each system – Livestock, Farmstead, Cropping, and Forest, Wetlands and Habitat – examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. By participating in all four systems, producers can comprehensively evaluate their entire farming operation for potential environmental risks.

For more information, visit the MAEAP website at https://www.maeap.org or contact Joe Kelpinski, MDARD’s MAEAP Program Manager, at (517)284-5608.